Bent

Beck Center for the Arts

Professional Theatre

By: Martin Sherman

Show Description:The influential play Bent follows a group of gay men finding ways to survive persecution before and after the Night of the Long Knives. Within the confines of a concentration camp a secret love affair illustrates how the selfless love of one person for another can overcome oppression, even under the most extreme circumstances. When Bent was written, there was little awareness about the persecution of homosexuals by the Nazis. The original production starred Ian McKellen, and the play has gone on to increase education and historical research. Nominated for a 1979 Tony Award for Best Play.